It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of September! School is back in session for all ages and grade levels; and as much as I wanted an Indian summer to drag the warmth and the long days on – I think it’s time to face the facts… Fall isn’t coming; it is here.
I will admit, fall is not all bad. With fall comes cooler weather, crisp air, colors explode in the valley, and the hiking is more enjoyable without the summer heat (it’s the best time of the year to pack on the miles if you ask me). Fall brings cozy clothes and boots, the desire to make soup, the nostalgic crunch of leaves beneath your feet, as well as plenty of fun activities and events. Fall settling in also means the holidays are just around the corner; and for many people it means hunting or football season takes off as well.
The first day of school and Labor Day weekend – came and passed in a flash. As did the beginning of college football season; the Gold Rush opening night game for us here in Bozeman. Tailgating is a lifestyle for many people who love the camaraderie that comes with Montana State Football.
In recent years, MSU’s football program has grown significantly and taken home several wins. According to Montana State’s website – MSU is the only school to win a National Championship at three different levels and Bobcat Football has taken home 23 conference championships over the years. In addition, 17 NFL players and 5 Super Bowl players to date have come from Montana State Bobcat Football. However, Football isn’t all about excellence and winning; for most people it’s about tradition, excitement, and time with their family.
Full disclosure – I am not and have never been a huge football fan. To mediate this fact, I hunted down some friends of mine who are fans that frequent the games. I asked them what they love most about Bobcat football. Their answers were so genuine and heartwarming they almost made me think I enjoyed the games…
Dani Clark, MSU’s Homecoming Queen of 2013, happens to be one of my best friends. Dani loves Bobcat football because “The air starts to change, the students come back to town and everything turns blue & gold. It’s tradition. It’s an extended family. Every Bobcat Football game feels like homecoming. Friends, family and alumni come together to cheer on the young men on the field; the feeling in that stadium is electric. The Spirit of The West Marching Band is probably my favorite. They are the unsung hero of the games if you ask me.”
Two of my other close friends (who happen to be cousins) have families that are tailgating fanatics. Taylor Dedman said, “I like going to the games because I enjoy watching football. I enjoy Bobcat Football especially because of my parents. My dad went to MSU and some of my earliest memories are coming to Bozeman with them to go to the alumni lunches at AGR. I don’t specifically remember the games so much, but I do remember the feeling of being with family of sorts when we were here. Now, going to the games are some of the only times I see my parents this time of year. Also, the tailgate we go to is filled with family friends. The game itself isn’t as important to me as spending time with friends and family. Although it is better when we win!” Morgen Cano agreed, “I usually go to the games to spend time with my family. We have a lot of memories and a lot of fun revolving around the football games.”
If you are looking to catch a home game at Bobcat Stadium; the schedule for the 2019-2020 season is as follows:
SEPT 7TH – GOLD RUSH – MSU VS. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE – 6 PM
SEPT 21ST – STRIPE THE STADIUM – MSU VS. NORFOLK STATE – 1 PM
SEPT 28TH – PARENT/FAMILY WEEKEND + MILITARY APPRECIATION – MSU VS. N. ARIZONA – 1 PM
OCT 12TH – HOMECOMING – MSU VS. SACRAMENTO STATE – 2 PM
NOV 2ND – PACK THE PLACE IN PINK & AG APPRECIATION – MSU VS. S. UTAH – 12 PM
NOV 23RD – BRAWL OF THE WILD – MSU VS. UM – 12 PM
Whether it’s football, hiking, hunting, or just getting cozy with a good book you love, the three of us at Trisha Easton & Associates hope you get to do something you love this fall!
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